Bartender Testifies Murder Suspect Was In Lounge All Night

Brian Spencer was in a bar until at least 4:30 a.m. the day Michael Dalfo was killed six years ago, the bartender testified in Spencer`s murder trial on Thursday.

Martin Malvaso, a bartender at the Banana Boat in West Palm Beach in February 1982 when Dalfo was killed, recounted at least six times when he noticed Spencer in the bar between 1 and 4:30 a.m. on the day Dalfo was found on a secluded road with two gunshot sounds to the face.

Malvaso said he knew Spencer only as a customer who came to the bar three or four times a week, and did not know him outside of work. He said Spencer did not coach him on any of the specifics he mentioned in his testimony.

Spencer was charged with murder based on statements given to police by Diana Delena, a prostitute at the time who then shared a trailer with Spencer and who had visited Dalfo the night before he was murdered.

Delena testified earlier in the trial that Spencer went with her back to Dalfo`s apartment in Palm Beach Gardens, sometime after 3 a.m.

When they got there, she said Spencer told Dalfo to get into the car with them and they drove to a secluded road off PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens.

Delena ran away when the men began to argue. Later, Spencer picked her up in the car alone, she testified.

Dalfo was found about noon with the gunshot wounds and died a few hours later.

Delena`s testimony is the only thing that places Spencer at the scene of the shooting. She also testifed that she did not see Spencer with a gun and did not hear any gunshots.

Police testified they have no physical evidence to place Spencer at the scene.

Jury deliberations are scheduled to begin today after defense and prosecution attorneys make their closing statements in Circuit Court.

Spencer, 39, is a 10-year veteran of the National Hockey League who moved to Palm Beach County in 1979 after retiring.